General Mills’ Shawn O’Grady to Retire This Summer

General Mills announced the retirement of Shawn O’Grady, group president, North America foodservice. To facilitate a smooth transition, O’Grady will move into a senior advisor role until his retirement early this summer. Effective Feb. 16, Jon Nudi, group president, pet and international, will add NAF to his oversight. Pankaj Sharma, president, U.S. meals & baking solutions operating unit, will be promoted to segment president, NAF. Sharma will report to Nudi and join the General Mills Senior Leadership Team.

“Shawn has been a tremendous asset to General Mills over the past 35 years, most recently leading our North America foodservice business through the pandemic to significant growth for the enterprise,” said Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO, General Mills. “Shawn’s enthusiasm for his team and General Mills consumers is truly unmatched, and he and his leadership will be missed.”

Sharma joined the company in 2014 and is president, U.S. meals & baking solutions , which serves 85 percent of families in the United States and is comprised of iconic brands, including Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Betty Crocker, Annie’s and Progresso. Previously, Sharma served as president, U.S. Yogurt operating unit, and vice president, marketing, Europe & Australia segment, based in Nyon, Switzerland.

“Jon overseeing NAF, as well as pet and international, will drive further operational agility for our business,” Harmening said. “And I’m thrilled to have Pankaj, who has a history of delivering strong business results in a variety of operating environments, join our Senior Leadership Team.”

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